Strawberry Coconut Cream Pie Bars
Anyone up for some Strawberry Coconut Cream Pie Bars and a side of #realtalk? I’ve been thinking about something that I want to share with you all. It’s about holiness.
Those of us who are Christians are on a quest of sorts. We are working (and being worked on) towards holiness, or being set apart by our beliefs and actions. But lately I’ve noticed there are two very different ways we can go about that.
One direction you can go to be “set apart” is to push other ideas and people away.
You can insulate yourself from people different than you. You can build a neat fence around yourself by labeling things other people do as Wrong or Immoral — more Wrong or Immoral than the wrong and immoral things you do, somehow. This makes these people Others and places them on the outside of the fence. You can make sure to only spend time with them when you’re lovingly counseling them towards repentance. You can make the focus of all your interactions their conversion to your way of thinking.
You can also build up community on the inside of your fence, making sure you all share the same set of ideas. Any deviation will be carefully counseled out so that you can all present a united front. You can develop a common language and set of motifs with other believers: things to signify you’re In and not Out.
You can give money to organizations designed to ensure the Out people cannot do things you don’t believe in. You can vote that those things be made illegal, in fact, to prove how strong your convictions are against them. When other people bring up ideas you disagree with, you can immediately put up your heart shield, reciting the well-rehearsed litany of reasons they are wrong. You’ve had it memorized like a catechism since your earliest Sunday school days. You love the sin but not the sinner. You find it sacrilegious and heretical to consider ideas that contradict your currently held beliefs; therefore, you must be careful never to seriously do so.
I am so familiar with that way because it’s been my way. I was sincere, genuine, and loving in it, too, so I know those people mean well with their whole hearts. But there’s another way, and I think of it by going back to Christ’s example, and indeed, back to the example of the entire biblical narrative.
The Bible doesn’t tell us the importance of being sure, or hanging on tight to a stagnant set of doctrines. In fact, the people who did so were left in the dust and missed the point. The Bible is about abiding in the vine (in layman’s terms, regularly communicating with God and trusting Him), so that when the mystery of God and our existence is revealed a little more, you are right there with Him to understand it better.
And about those walls we build to be “set apart”? Christ was “set apart” not because He actually physically separated Himself from certain types of people, and not because he was part of an In group instead of an Out group. In fact, He seemed like quite a loner in some ways. His worship was largely solitary and contemplative, followed by periods of exhaustive pouring out. He poured out teaching, mercy, friendship, healing. Then it was back to isolation to restore.
The people He did spend time with were people others thought of as sinners, and He didn’t spend time with them just to convert them. He ate with them. He stayed at their homes. He made such special friendships with them that he visited them later. He washed their feet and had His feet washed by them. These people weren’t just sinners to save. They were rough around the edges and had the “wrong” language and the “wrong” ideas, but they were His family. And the deciding factor for whether someone was In or Out of His circle didn’t seem to be their perfect understanding of His doctrine — indeed, He purposely taught most people in parables — but a simple choice to have faith. They were humble, sinful people who were often unsure of themselves.
In contrast, the people trying so hard to protect certain religious ideas were the people who got it wrong. They worshipped ostentatiously and guarded their ideals religiously (ha). They thought you needed to wash before eating and that you couldn’t pick corn to eat on the Sabbath, and so Jesus and his disciples were Out when they broke these rules. They wanted to legally prosecute Christ because He didn’t fit their idea of a believer. Do you ever worry that there are Christians in America doing the same thing right now? Trying to take a legal route to prevent others from acting on “wrong” beliefs? Oh my gosh, I do!
You know the verse, “Perfect love casts out fear” (I John 4.18)? I’ve realized recently that this applies to everything — including doctrine. Including holiness. I will no longer be afraid of opening my heart to evaluating new ideas and questions, to loving people, to letting people be themselves and being around them as themselves. As long as I’m abiding in the vine, worshipping my Lord and meeting Him every day, I don’t have to fear accidentally slipping into the “wrong way of thinking.” I’m safe. He’s holding me.
Instead, I am free to pursue holiness as Christ did: through radical love. Being friends and family to the people I’m “not supposed” to be with, and not just as a missionary. Serving wholeheartedly in ways that build relationships. Showing mercy and empathy where others would condemn. Accepting people who others cast Out as sinners.
And you know what helped? When I was working through some questions, a “brother in Christ” told me he didn’t think I was a Christian because of something I said about gay marriage. No one had ever said anything like that to me and I was absolutely galled. How could anyone question my faith? That’s when I finally realized that I AM ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE being cast Out as a sinner — any of us could be if we step out of someone else’s perceived line.
Kind of makes you think, huh? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below, and read on for a fantastic spring dessert to go with your musings.
One year ago: The Ultimate Moist, Fluffy, Ridiculous Coconut Cake
Two years ago: Buttery Coconut & Almond Morning Buns
Three years ago: Deep Fried Cake Batter Cookie Dough
Four years ago: Carrot Cake Waffles
Strawberry Coconut Cream Pie Bars
Recipe by: Willow Bird Baking, with filling adapted from All Recipes
Yield: 9 bars
These Strawberry Coconut Cream Pie Bars are an incredible mixture of coconut cream pie and strawberry cream pie — just perfect for a beautiful spring dessert. Seriously, they are SO GOOD. They’re easy to make, too (no pie crust rolling)!
Crust Ingredients:
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Filling Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 1/2 cups coconut milk
2 eggs
3/4 cup white sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup flaked coconut
1/4 teaspoon coconut extract
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping Ingredients:
1 1/2 strawberries (I had some leftover, but I always buy two packs just in case)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
red food coloring (optional; I skipped this)
Directions:
Make shortbread crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper. Cut the butter into the flour and powdered sugar and press into the baking dish (I used a food processor to cut the fat into the flour — about 6-10 pulses — and then the bottom of a glass to press the mixture into the pan). Bake 18-20 minutes or until light brown. Set on a wire rack to cool.
Make coconut cream filling: Combine the half-and-half, coconut milk, eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a large saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-low heat, whisking constantly until it’s thick and bubbling (this can take anywhere from 10-20 minutes. Just do it. It’s worth it.) Add coconut and vanilla extracts and the shredded coconut and stir. Pour this filling over your cooled crust, letting it cool for a bit on the counter before sticking the whole thing in the fridge to chill until firm, about 2 to 4 hours.
Assemble and make glaze: Slice most of a pound of strawberries in thin slices lengthwise and layer the slices in pretty alternating diagonal rows on the top of the coconut cream. Set this in the fridge to chill while you make your glaze.
Crush remaining 1/2 cup of strawberries and boil with water in a saucepan over medium-high heat for two minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve and discard the pulp. Pour a little of the resulting strawberry juice into the glass with the cornstarch and stir to make a slurry. Put the rest of the juice back into the saucepan over medium-high heat and gradually whisk in sugar and cornstarch slurry. Cook until thickened. If you want, you can tint this glaze with food coloring to desired hue, but mine was plenty bright enough! Cool the glaze slightly (I transferred mine to a heat-proof measuring cup with a pour spout to cool for a bit) and then pour over top of strawberry slices on your pie. Chill bars before serving.
Charbel
April 7, 2014 at 10:07 am (11 years ago)This looks fantastic! Definitely going on my list of things to make!
Rebecca {foodie with family}
April 7, 2014 at 10:12 am (11 years ago)As much as I respect what you’re saying, if you put that beautiful pan of cream pie bars in front of my face I wouldn’t hear a word you were saying. 😀 GOSH those are pretty. And my grandpa, a preacher, always said, “Love is the final rule.” Do all these things in love, right? If we’re loving, we’re at least giving it our best.
AKM
April 7, 2014 at 10:27 am (11 years ago)Amen, and Amen to all that you have posted above. I so appreciate your having worked through this in your thought, and I truly believe you’ve been guided by the Holy Spirit to see this. Love is the ONLY way–God is LOVE. “…he that loveth not his brother (or sister) whom he hath seen, how can he love God, whom he hath not seen?” (I John 4:20) When we express love, we are expressing/glorifying/magnifying God. We are following Christ’s example, and there is no better path to follow! Thank you for having the courage to post your thoughts. God Bless!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
April 7, 2014 at 11:27 am (11 years ago)These bars look perfect!! So yummy.
Belinda@themoonblushbaker
April 7, 2014 at 12:16 pm (11 years ago)I am heart broken that strawberry season is over in Australia! These look perfect!
Love your thoughts on your religion; so refreshing!
Paula-bell'alimento
April 7, 2014 at 12:17 pm (11 years ago)I know these would not stand a chance in my house, exactly while I’ll make them during the day when everyone else is at school ; )
julia
April 7, 2014 at 12:24 pm (11 years ago)These scream summer! I love them!
K
April 7, 2014 at 1:56 pm (11 years ago)thanks for sharing your thoughts/heart. as i was reading through it i totally thought “ME TOO!” – it’s so easy to get insulated/closed-minded. thanks for the #realtalk =P
Kat
April 7, 2014 at 2:50 pm (11 years ago)Julie Ruble, my respect level for you just elevated so high that the meter broke!
I think you’ll find that the more supporting, loving, and inclusive folks in our society aren’t nearly as verbal, nor are they as loud, as the haters seem to be. Sometimes lovers feel very alone. Lovers aren’t alone, we just don’t react to, or retaliate against the haters. There’s no use wasting a bit of energy on them–so we don’t. Besides, we’re lovers! We don’t even hate on the haters.
Welcome to the light!
Brooke
April 7, 2014 at 6:12 pm (11 years ago)I’m not a Christian, but I love this post. I think it applies to all of us, really, whatever your belief system. As an agnostic, it’s very easy to keep others at a distance whose beliefs do not match mine, or to look down my nose at them, even if it is in secret. And that’s not fair or loving or even Christ-like. Thank you for your honesty and for reminding us “Perfect love casts out fear”…
Chandelle
April 7, 2014 at 8:24 pm (11 years ago)I’m not religious, but I appreciate your sentiments here. Some Christians I know are friendly (not just looking to convert), kind, forgiving, open, and humble. Some definitely are not. I’m more inclined to trust and honor the beliefs of the former, and be suspicious and resentful of the latter. Just sayin’. And I’m definitely going to make these ASAP. I might try to use all coconut milk for a dairy-free friend.
Meghan @ nestMeg
April 7, 2014 at 8:34 pm (11 years ago)You always take amazing photos, but these are particularly delectable.
As always, I love your writing for its honesty and vulnerability.
Kelly
April 7, 2014 at 9:15 pm (11 years ago)I hear what you’re saying and I’m 100% on board with you, except when I’m not. I’m struggling right now with a friend that I’ve known forever and is currently (maybe just recently, maybe I’ve been in the dark all along) doing cocaine. I’m saddened and disappointed and don’t know if our friendship can sustain this. Just food for thought…where do you draw the line? I’m struggling because I have a child now and I never want to expose him to this kind of thing. But your post has made me wonder if I judged her too harshly.
Julie Ruble
April 7, 2014 at 9:23 pm (11 years ago)Woo, Kelly. That is so rough. I don’t know the right answer.
I do know that it’s not that I don’t believe some things are definitely wrong, and definitely hurtful (I always use the example of murder) — more just that we don’t always know what they are, and when we do, we sometimes see it as worse than the wrong things we do, which are actually all symptoms of the same problem. So I guess it’s not about saying, “It’s okay that you’re doing cocaine,” but about a radical empathy: if my life shape were different, I could see myself there. And someone other than me might feel the way about me that I’m struggling with feeling about her right now. So from there, how do I proceed and live out that knowledge? Certainly not by cheering on drug use, I think, surely? But maybe it’s with an eye toward understanding her situation more. Even if that doesn’t mean you stick with her. And maybe NOT sticking with her won’t be because she’s Other in your eyes, but because that’s better for her — better for her to get in the right space instead of to be enabled. So maybe in this case the actions you take might look like the exclusion I mentioned, but be prompted from a different place in you, and maybe that makes all the difference?
Just jotting down my thoughts as they form. What do you think? I also want to share this amazing article that might add to the discussion: http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2013/mar/09/russell-brand-life-without-drugs
Lisa R.
April 7, 2014 at 10:59 pm (11 years ago)Thank you, Julie, for both recipe and reminder. It is so easy to get caught up in following a set of rules and foregoing the relationships. People are messy. I like things neat and orderly. Rules comfort me. But as my life becomes full of people, it becomes richer and fuller. I have become an advocate for refugees in Charlotte, many of whom do not speak much English, so my message is in my life and countenance and actions instead of words. I am finding much less space in my heart for judging. But there is always room for strawberries! (One refugee friend helps me with my garden and we can’t wait until the strawberry plants start producing! Maybe she and I can make these bars then!)
Julie Ruble
April 7, 2014 at 11:08 pm (11 years ago)Yes! I think that’s just it, too, Lisa! Rules are so comforting. Rules and facts that we can hold onto — they create boundaries for us that we can understand. How much safer that feels than really living in freedom and trusting God to show us what that means through His Word and Holy Spirit. Yikes!
Thank you for the work you do with refugees. I know you must form such wonderful relationships and mean so much to them!
Fran@fransfavs.com
April 7, 2014 at 11:15 pm (11 years ago)Julie, you warm my heart with your words and I wish that all Christians could believe as you (we) do. This country was founded on freedom of religion, yet all too often many Christians look down at people of other religions and try to foist their beliefs on them. My sister and her partner have been together for over 40 years. You would be hard-pressed to find two kinder, generous or more loving people. Happily, they were able to be married several years ago when the state they live in legalized gay marriage. I feel sorry for anyone who would try to deny two people who love each other their legal rights. Whatever happened to live and let live? If everyone, no matter their religion, just practiced the Golden Rule and followed the Ten Commandments and kept their noses out of everyone else’s business (not to mention bedroom), the world would certainly be a better place! Thank you for your wise words and your refreshing honesty.
cheri
April 7, 2014 at 11:16 pm (11 years ago)These bars looks amazing, I absolutely adore these. Just pinned.
Fran@fransfavs.com
April 7, 2014 at 11:19 pm (11 years ago)p.s. How could I forget to mention?!! Your bars look absolutely amazing and decadently drool-worthy! Making them as soon as I can.
Cathy Milne
April 8, 2014 at 1:01 am (11 years ago)These look absolutely fabulous!! I am definitely adding this recipe to my summer baking list. My family grows strawberries in our garden. I have to fight to get them in the house because my grandsons and roomy eat them straight from the garden.
Tomorrow I will be making a similar recipe; Strawberry Cheesecake Brownie Bars! Yummy!
I found this recipe on Homecooking. about.com ( I have them on my blog)
Here is the link: http://homecooking.about.com/od/cookierecipes/r/blcookie74.htm
Cathy the BaggLady
Andrea
April 8, 2014 at 8:52 am (11 years ago)Oh my – those look soooo good. Might you have any suggestions for what to use instead of the eggs (I love eggs but can’t have ’em)
Julie Ruble
April 8, 2014 at 9:08 am (11 years ago)Thanks Andrea! No eggs stumps me, unfortunately. I’m wondering if you might enjoy doing a coconut mousse instead of the coconut pastry cream? Something like this mousse: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ken-leung/sense-of-taste-coconut-mousse-cake_b_4647383.html
Andrea
April 8, 2014 at 4:39 pm (11 years ago)Thanks! Going to try that!
Suzan cox
April 8, 2014 at 9:06 am (11 years ago)I’m not clear on amount of strawberries.
Julie Ruble
April 8, 2014 at 9:07 am (11 years ago)You will probably need about a cup and a half, but I buy 2 flats at the grocery store (1-lb each) so I don’t worry about running short if I slice the strawberries thicker, etc.
Cassie
May 13, 2014 at 5:09 am (10 years ago)Adorably, the recipe says “1 1/2 strawberries,” which is a seriously cute typo but means you would need to slice the strawberry and a half in nanometer slices to get the bars covered.
Anne
April 8, 2014 at 9:46 am (11 years ago)So, your commentary was a bit of a surprise, not an unwelcome one, but still, a surprise. I think, most Christians struggle with what you are talking about here, and I suspect, the truth is to be found somewhere in the struggle. On the one hand, we have Paul telling the Corinthians,
“But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.”
And on the other hand, we have the truth in what you are saying. But I think where we are asked to draw the line is with “any man that is called a brother.” Paul was talking about a man who was a proclaimed Christian, and yet, openly sleeping with his own mother. Paul did not ask the Corinthians to hate this man, but rather, by drawing a clear line in the sand, to thus communicate to him (and his mother) that what he was doing was not acceptable behavior for a Christian. This can be a bit of a tightrope walk at times, because you have to be able to identify “a brother.” Your so-called “brother in Christ” who questioned your Christianity because of what you may or may not believe about gay marriage has grossly misappropriated the scriptures. It happens. But how do you communicate to someone who professes Christianity that something like sleeping with their own mother is not okay? But there is a difference between a non-believer and someone who profresses Christianity. I think a lot of Christians believe that it is their duty to hold non-Christians to biblical standards, and why would we do that? If the non-Christian can keep the law and behave in a more loving way than the Christian, then perhaps the non-Christian does not need Christ. Jesus did not die so that we could be more loiving, he died so that we can be forgiven. But if we don’t need forgiveness, then do we even need Christ? It is precisely because we have been forgiven that we can become more loving. But to turn a blind eye, within the fellowship of the believers, to behavior that God calls sin is a different story alltogether, and this is where it becomes a mater of discerning the spirits, and a bit of a tightrope walk. I think you are correct in your assessment of how Christians should behave in the world. It is our calling to lead others to Christ, but sadly, sometimes that leading to Christ demands that we speak the truth in ways that are not going to be comfortable for others. I am not suggesting that Christians need to run around telling non-believers what they are doing is wrong. The truth is, we all have a conscience that testifys against us when we are wrong. I’m not sure the Christian’s duty is to attempt to out-shout the bible, or the conscience, on matters of right and wrong. We were called to something better, and we do need to love one another, and we also need to recognize that we are all sinners, saved by grace. I realize I am not giving you a clear cut easy assessment here, but that is why I say that the truth is to be found somewhere in the struggle.
Awesome recipe….love it!
Carol Whittaker
April 8, 2014 at 9:52 pm (11 years ago)Well stated Julie as always. We are not able to judge that is only God’s perogative. We are to love God first and submit ourselves to Him so He can do what we cannot, cleanse us and change us so that Heaven will be safe with us there. That being said, God has given us a standard of behavior for each person to measure his or her own self by. We are not to accept human standards of behavior for they fall far short of God’s measure. God can change anyone who will allow Him access to their heart. I know this is so because I am not who I once was, and am slowly learning to yield my life to Him. God bless you Julie, this subject is full of minefields and you are brave to subject yourself to all the slings and arrows. From your past posts I know what manner of fruit you bear. (by the way I love strawberry, thanks for posting)
heidi
April 8, 2014 at 10:03 pm (11 years ago)it makes me very sad to see people use their religion to excuse hateful behavior towards others. i doubt that’s what God had in mind.and on top of that is the issue of freedom for EVERYONE, equal rights. i don’t understand why some people are so afraid of people who are different. there doesn’t have to be right or wrong. you get to believe whatever you want so why can’t i have the same freedom?i believe the most important thing is LOVE, for all, and God IS LOVE.for two people to want to express their commitment to each other and have a family isn’t really anyone else’s business.thank you for expressing your feelings, it’s very important. if you try hard enough, you can find something in the bible to support just about anything.
Jenn @ Deliciously Sprinkled
April 8, 2014 at 10:06 pm (11 years ago)These look amazing, love the fresh strawberries! Perfect spring and summer dessert, pinned! 🙂
patricia wylie
April 9, 2014 at 9:31 pm (11 years ago)Dear Julie,
Being a Christian means living and behaving as He did. He loved everyone! He has told us to do the same and expressly told us NOT to judge others. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not about “hell, & how not to go there”. 🙂
Stephen Robinson said,” The heart and soul of the gospel(of Christ) is love. All the rest is commentary.” He also said that Christ has not been called the Terminator but I have heard the word Savior a time or two…
You are on track. His track. He had His detractors and so do we. Look up and carry on!
Becky
April 9, 2014 at 10:17 pm (11 years ago)Oh, man, I love this post. I have a Livejournal-turned-Facebook friend who has been on my heart/driving me crazy lately. She appears to be miserable, which I believe is because she spends much of her time (judging by FB posts) pointing out the flaws of others, and seriously lacking in the grace department. I am trying to decide whether to passive-aggressively posts some articles on her wall, or do something else, or ignore her. If I were to go the passive-aggressive route, this would be a great post for her to read.
Tis a shame that I don’t like coconut, since you have so many coconut recipes lately. 😀
Lauralee
April 10, 2014 at 12:35 pm (11 years ago)This was a lovely read. It’s funny that I came to your site. I posted a comment on a different website, and you had commented there as well. We were both being criticized for what we were saying about the bible, even though we were both speaking in respectful tones. I saw what people were saying to you and clicked on your name. It led me to this post. (I imagine you can guess what blog I’m referring to).
Nice to meet you. Thanks for your heartfelt words. You made me feel better after all the nastiness that I read over at the other blog.
Joshua Hampton
April 10, 2014 at 2:14 pm (11 years ago)This is one brave and refreshingly honest post. It’s rare to get that level of honesty from people who call themselves “Christian” nowadays. I have always believed that God is love and he does not exclude anyone from his love. Also, thank you for the recipe. It looks beautiful.
Tracy | Peanut Butter and Onion
April 15, 2014 at 11:43 am (11 years ago)These look dreamy !
Janna
April 20, 2014 at 3:10 pm (11 years ago)Any suggestions on a coconut alternative? These look divine, but I can’t do the coconut.
Julie Ruble
April 20, 2014 at 6:25 pm (11 years ago)Sure! Just find a recipe for a vanilla mousse and that would be lovely here. Strawberry mousse would work also.
Kari
April 20, 2014 at 7:59 pm (11 years ago)I knew I pinned this under Easter for a reason. This is the message I so desperately needed to hear today. Thank you for being honest in your faith journey.
Ellen
May 11, 2014 at 8:52 pm (10 years ago)Hello,
I thought this dessert looked gorgeous and got the chance to make it today for a Mother’s Day dinner at my home. My family and extended family went crazy for it!! I must confess, I made some “healthy” changes due to some health challenges with in the family. I used a lower fat coconut milk, subbed some fat free half and half for the full fat, and cut the sugar to 1/3 cup and used 4 packets of Truvia. I also use unsweetened flaked coconut. Everyone said it was fabulous and when can we have it again!! THANK YOU for sharing the recipe and lovely photos. Sorry to take liberty with your recipe..but I have to be sure everyone who wants to eat something can do so. Your recipe worked beautifully with my liberal changes.
Maria
September 3, 2014 at 6:26 pm (10 years ago)I really enjoyed this recipe and the descriptive methods for each step. I too (like Ellen) made this dessert with more liberty in the “healthy” department. I used skim milk instead of half-and-half, less sugar in the filling and topping, unsweetened coconut flakes, fat free coconut milk, and I only used 1 container of strawberries. The consistency may be slightly more fluid with all the alterations (like a custard instead of a cream) but it still holds its shape and solidifies well enough. Nonetheless, this dessert has turned out great every time I have made it (which is 3 times now). Flavors mix very well and everyone that has eaten this dessert fell in love. This will now be a standard dessert I will carry forever. Thank you!
Diane Weiss
May 13, 2015 at 9:57 am (9 years ago)Love the idea of strawberry and coconut. Everything tastes better with coconut. Coconut – king of the summer. I’m a little bit over the top. Forgive me, i just love it so much.
Susanne
July 8, 2016 at 12:01 pm (8 years ago)Could this recipe be doubled to fit in a 9×13 pan for a potluck?
Julie Ruble
July 8, 2016 at 12:15 pm (8 years ago)I haven’t tried it but I think that should work fine. Just double everything. Enjoy!